New Delhi, India: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism about India-France cultural collaboration at the signing ceremony between the National Museum in New Delhi and France Museums Development. The agreement marks a significant step toward the creation of the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.
Pleased to join the signing ceremony between @NMnewdelhi and France Muséums Développement for the upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 19, 2024
Advancing a project of great national importance, it will express 🇮🇳 🇫🇷 cultural collaboration. Confident that the Museum will showcase… pic.twitter.com/8R3aYk7eop
Speaking on Thursday, Jaishankar emphasized that the museum would blend tradition with technology to showcase India’s rich heritage. Sharing the news on X, he stated:
“Pleased to join the signing ceremony between National Museum in New Delhi and France Museums Developpement for the upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. Advancing a project of great national importance, it will express India-France cultural collaboration. Confident that the Museum will showcase tradition through technology, bringing global best practices to present our glorious past.”
Highlighting the strong relationship between India and France, Jaishankar described the partnership as a significant alliance in today’s multipolar world:
“A few words about India and France. Most of you again would be aware that for us this has been a very strong relationship. India and France see in each other important poles in a multipolar world.”
France’s Ambassador to India, Thierry Mathou, also voiced support for the initiative, aligning it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of shared cultural aspirations.
“France is eager to embrace the vision of PM of India. We also share the same vision which is for the culture,” said Mathou.
The museum, envisioned as a celebration of India’s continuous civilizational history, was first announced by Prime Minister Modi at the International Museum Expo in May 2023. It was further highlighted during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam in July.
As part of the agreement, India and France will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, including museum case studies, interpretive planning, and building programming. According to a statement by the Ministry of Culture, the project will leverage France’s expertise in museum development, demonstrated by the renowned Grand Louvre.
Additionally, the adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Blocks will preserve architectural heritage while transforming the space into a vibrant cultural hub. This collaboration builds on years of cultural partnership between the two nations, underscoring the shared commitment to celebrating heritage through innovation.